If you ran the tank dry and the engine stopped because of this, you probably have air in the fuel lines, which a diesel dosn't like. If I remember correctly, there should be a red knob on the injector pump that you can turn counterclockwise to make it pop up. It is kind of like a primer pump/pluner to get the air out. If memory serves me, I think you have to also loosen the bleed screw on top of the fuel filter, and pump until fuel comes out with out any bubbles. Then close the bleed screw, and continue pumping until the overflow valve in the injector pump opens. You will know it is open when you hear a slight clicking/humming noise. When you are done, make sure to push down the plunger knob and tighten it, otherwise fuel will run out when the engine is running.
It has been a while since I had my 200D, so this may not be totally correct. Maybe another member can help as well.
Hope this helps!

Hello friends...

Yes, it sounds like the fuel system is full of air and that air will need to be purged before the oel motor will fire again. This will take a little time, skill, and a fully charged battery. :smilie:

If I may, first let me clarify what 75benz200 said earlier. The 'red' knob is only for checking / adding oil to the injection pump, so it's not necessary to disturb it for bleeding the fuel sytem.

However, there should be a slotted screw on the upper body of the injection pump - loosen it slightly and then depress the primer pump plunger (located on the side of the injection pump) several times until a steady stream of fuel is coming out, then tighten the screw again. (your primer pump plunger may or may not screw in/out - the original pump had this feature, but on the newer replacement pumps, (the knob is black) it doesn't screw in or out).

As said before, continue pumping until you feel a lot of resistance and perhaps can hear a slight buzzing noise. (if your hearing is like mine, you may not hear it).

Now, make sure your battery is fully charged - get a partner to help and begin to crank the engine and crack open 'one' metal fuel line - up near where it connects to the injector and continue to crank (maximum of 30 seconds at a time - let the starter cool for a few minutes before repeating) until you see fuel coming out - then tighten that line and repeat this same procedure with the other 3 lines.

After all four lines are done, allow your glow plugs to heat up, crank the engine and hopefully it will start. It will probably continue to run a little rough until the rest of the air is purged out. Whatever you do - DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT use any starting fluid. Doing so will likely cause considerable damage to your engine.

Hope this helps - and try your best to not ever let it run out of fuel again.

Klatta, Klatta,

Folks in the know, can this car be dragged like a later, say 123, diesel can be?

I 'think' it is possible with this auto transmission - seems like I've read that it needs to be towed pretty fast, about 35mph, so be careful if you go with this option.

thanks for all of your insight and help, i am going to try it out and see if i can get'er running properly again.

having run the tank dry, you may have plugged the tank filters with what was once suspended gunk. Bound to have entered fuel lines as well. Big pain in the tank, but good time to drain and clean up the debris, flush all lines and make sure you have good flow all the way from the tank, to engine and back to tank.

One of the oil sucker devices may be very handy for making vacuum fuel lines to suck it along. Once you clear the filters and are to the IP, you can use the hand pump to prime the IP. Check for flow by cracking the delivery valve nut to expel any air from each line, then crack the nut at the injector until fuel flows. One at a time. Uncap the last bit of hose (bleed) and make sure fuel is hitting all along and making its way to the return lines. You will have a little air in each injector, but air compresses and can be expelled once you crank it up.

Pull start is a good way to convince the engine to turn over. You get enough speed and revs on the engine and it will have a better tendency to keep running

thanks all!

the little green machine is up and running properly again. clackity clackity purr.

you have all helped a great deal, thanks.:bowdown:

the little green machine is up and running properly again. clackity clackity purr.

you have all helped a great deal, thanks.:bowdown:

Ah yes... Congratulations! :smilie:

I just love the smell of no. 2 cologne - accompanied by the klatta, klatta...

Mercedes-Benz Unlike any other...